How to SURVIVE Your First Ice Bath or Cold Plunge

[@anonymoususer1231]

Breath breath breath!! With in seconds your body calms down. I did over a min my first time at 50f 10 c i felt amazing after. I had extreme anxiety at first that went away fast. Now i can’t wait to do it again tomorrow morn.

[@MichaelKummer]

Right on!

[@charleskrueger5805]

That’s good- my 1st time was @ 50 degrees - I made it 45 seconds. Second time was after a 30 min sauna sesh and I made it 20 seconds 😂

[@Hillbillyhomeowners]

My mom got tired of me talking about it , and ordered one from Walmart. It will be here Friday

[@jennifermoss7480]

I appreciate your talking about how the brain will think I'm in danger. I can do some prep work with the brain and fear/panic parts of me.

[@donschlegel1972]

Great thank you so much that’s helpful. I have been plunging for about a year taking time to go colder and longer I did find that when I plunged in I needed to put my head right under the water first and then bring my head up and then breathe, and the Lord’s prayer laugh out loud.

[@MichaelKummer]

You are so welcome!

[@another_utfan]

I've only ever taken cold showers so hopefully this will help take my first cold bath

[@MichaelKummer]

I'm convinced it'll help you with your first ice bath!

[@another_utfan]

@Michael Kummer I took one yesterday and it helped me quite a lot, and also helped me outside of taking an ice bath too such as pushing myself past my limits and also learning to control my breathing during my sprints

[@jesusisking8502]

@@MichaelKummer You are jacked, well done! I have a bath ordered. I've done a few cold showers but cant last long as the sudden shock wants me to step out. I have a feeling I can do the ice baths easier as I can ease my body into it instead of the massive cold rush from the shower. Thanks for the tips, I'll just go 55 degrees to start with and work my way to 39. :)

[@urielflores2722]

Bro thanks for the tips, I only lasted the first time 10 seconds lol, but after I saw your video I put thought about that it’s just in my head, and slowed my breathing, I lasted 30 seconds!

[@MichaelKummer]

That’s awesome! Congrats 🎊

[@scottmitchell3761]

Great advise- one point though, you Do want to work up to wiggling and waving your hands and feet around. Your body heat will create a sheath of warmth around you that will not give you all the benefits of that specific temperature. Beginners- yes. As you progress, make sure you move a bit.

[@MichaelKummer]

Yeah, breaking that thermal barrier is a great idea. I started doing that and it makes a big difference (i.e., it sucks more).

[@elisenaify5538]

This video was so helpful that I watched it again. Very helpful!

[@MichaelKummer]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@ollygee]

Thanks so much for this! I went with cold water from the tap first, it was cold but these tips helped

[@MichaelKummer]

Glad it helped!

[@jackiechan27]

This video is amazing I’m doing my first one soon!!! thank you so much for sharing such amazing tips makes me feel a little bit less anxious about it thank you!!! 😊😊😊

[@MichaelKummer]

You’re most welcome, Jackie! I’m thrilled to hear the video was helpful and I wish you good luck for your upcoming plunge!

[@kathykummer2324]

I can’t believe you filmed this video inside the cold plunge!! Great tips btw!!

[@MichaelKummer]

Thank you!! 😊❤️

[@GenuineArticle71]

You've been helpful to me. Much appreciated.

[@MichaelKummer]

Glad to hear it!

[@newglorydays-yu6bb]

Watching this while doing a ice bath helps

[@Diddyslawyer]

My bath is very small only got my legs but i feel better now im going to try and find a bigger bath

[@MichaelKummer]

That’s a great start! Even just plunging your legs can have benefits. A bigger setup will let you fully immerse for maximum recovery and resilience. Keep it up-cold exposure is a game-changer!

[@Stellapie86]

ive done 2 so far and 30seconds i'm having to get out, been doing cold showers for months, but they are tropical compared to the 9degree water for the tub.

[@MichaelKummer]

You have two options: Either you learn how to manage to control your thoughts and sympathetic response or you increase the water temp a bit until you can stay longer. Once you got used to a given temperature, decrease it a bit and work your way down.

[@michaelkay8914]

Im gonna try my first ice bath today. It snowed here in Flagstaff AZ so im filling my tub with snow & cold water. Im gonna fight all temptation not to get in & I'm hopeing to stay in for at least 1min or more. Im doing this for many reasons. 1. Making myself do something i really don't want to do. 2. Supposed health benefits 3. 🇷🇺🕯☦️Russians are Awesome ☦️🕯🇷🇺

[@MichaelKummer]

Good luck!

[@wonkayt3608]

Thanks so much! It helped a LOT

[@MichaelKummer]

Glad to hear it!

[@twrkhanasparukh]

all good advices

[@legacy6519]

What’s a safe temperature for a cold plunge?

[@MichaelKummer]

That depends on your tolerance to cold temperatures. I can safely jump into water that’s at freezing temps but someone with a heart condition might not do so well. If you’ve never done it, I’d recommend starting somewhere between 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit.

[@legacy6519]

@@MichaelKummer Sounds good! I’ll try that temperature first. I’ve been wanting to do this for some time now and I think i’ll take and chance do it! I play a lot of soccer and also go to the gym. My body does feel so sore after each game and after a few days in the gym. Hopefully this can give me a boost.

[@TheSwayzeTrain]

That's a nice set up.

[@MichaelKummer]

Thanks! Do do enjoy it a lot!

[@Paulyfr3sh]

I stay inbetween 40-50 degrees typically. It's an uncomfortable but safe temp for me.

[@MichaelKummer]

Right on!

[@BravoDeltaEngraving]

Is there a minimum time to aim for as a beginner. At let's say 55 degrees starring 20 or 30 seconds to build up? What about getting out, immediately go for the towel and warm or let your body naturally regulate back? Thanks! Starting tomorrow!

[@MichaelKummer]

You can do as long as you want but won't see most of the benefits until you stay in the tub for about two minutes. If you want to lose weight, let your body warm up slowly. If weight/fat loss isn't a concern, dry off and go about your day.

[@BlueVelvetBear]

Is it better in morning than evening? Is it better to do after eating or before?

[@MichaelKummer]

The answer to those questions depends on several factors and your personal preferences. Without going into all the details, I'd say do what makes you feel best.

[@ChrisGroggyCreaser]

Great sensation!!... :)

[@MichaelKummer]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@TP1R]

I have trouble getting my ice bath cold enough. Due to limited amounts of ice. I've found that moving around in the water effectively makes the ice bath colder.

[@MichaelKummer]

Moving around breaks the thermal barrier around your skin which makes the water feel colder!

[@kyleholden3409]

I wish I would have watched this before my first few plunges

[@MichaelKummer]

🤣

[@CoolDadventures]

I got half my leg in on my first attempt. I was at 40 degrees. Smh 🤦🏾‍♂️ Not to worry, I’ll be back tomorrow

[@MichaelKummer]

How did the second attempt go? :)

[@CoolDadventures]

@ brutal. I had to illicit the help of an 8 year old girl. My daughter called me a wuss. I was bullied! But it worked 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@MichaelKummer]

@@CoolDadventures 🤣

[@brucedorion6642]

Ive practiced taking very cold showers 30 minutes before i work out but took a break from training 4 weeks ago, ive been wanting to train again but also been wanting to take cold showers again, should i start cold right away or back to practicing to get a little colder each time? If that makes sense.? Lol

[@MichaelKummer]

Start cold right away.

[@Slimeball-B]

Thanking man my first time 😅

[@MichaelKummer]

Welcome!

[@YashaniEntertainment]

What's the name of the song?

[@antonionua]

Ive also seen people dunk their head in right away - does this help at all?

[@MichaelKummer]

Yes, that helps because it triggers an even greater fight or flight response than if you omit your neck and face areas.

[@antonionua]

@@MichaelKummer So I just ordered the 'M-Pulse Believe' and the exact 'PLUNGE' as you lol. We have the same set up bro haha, how often do you clean your sauna and did you buy their cleaning supplies?

[@MichaelKummer]

@@antonionua I hope you used my affiliate links, otherwise I won't be able to answer your question ;) Just kidding...we clean the sauna every couple of months using non-toxic cleaners and damp towels. We didn't buy their cleaning supplies because we already have similar ones at home from HypoAir. I do use the Plunge maintenance kit, however. Congrats on your purchases, I'm sure you'll love that combo as much as we do!

[@antonionua]

@@MichaelKummer unfortunately I discovered your page after purchasing them bro otherwise I would! Deff will help out any way I can moving forward. In any videos do you talk about your daily routine with them? Workout, sauna, cold etc..I’d love to hear what you do so I can get an idea of a routine I’ll be doing! Thanks man love your stuff 🤟🏻

[@MichaelKummer]

@@antonionua No worries man! No, I only have a video on how to survive your first ice bath - see kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6jZi2yXa89khs0. And I have a blog post about combining sauna and cold plunging - see michaelkummer.com/health/ice-bath-and-sauna/

[@davidmeredith2695]

Can someone tell me what they pit in the bath to keep it clean.

[@MichaelKummer]

The tub shown in the clip uses ozone sanitation and a sediment filter to keep the water sanitary.

[@CrueLoaf]

I do cold showers and cold swimming. I have no problems mentally with the cold plunge. BUT my arms frigging hurt! It was like crazy pins and needles and it was an achy hurt. Would that stop if I spent longer in the water?

[@MichaelKummer]

I'd try to get used to that by increasing the temperature a bit. I mean, there is an initial shock response that subsides after a while but it really depends on your cold perception :)

[@CrueLoaf]

@@MichaelKummer that’s tricky to increase the temp of a cold tub in the garden. But the second plunge was a tad easier.

[@isaiasvalladares441]

I had the same thing happen to me which was surprising. I love cold weather and handle cold showers pretty well. When I went into the ice tub after like 5 seconds I was in physical pain.. the same thing like you @CrueLoaf but in my legs… like shards of glass piercing through my legs… I had my whole body submerged so I took my upper body and arms out and that helped. Also the guide stayed with me through the whole 90 seconds but I was about to get out a couple of times just because of the physical pain… I don’t know if that’s normal and I’m sure that the more I do it the easier it will get but just doesn’t seem like it should hurt that much haha and it’s that’s what’s making me think twice of doing it again :(

[@CrueLoaf]

@@isaiasvalladares441 hiya. Good news...the more I have been doing it, the less it hurt. I don't really have an issue now. I would suggest building up the time you spend int he water slowly from 30 seconds. Next time 40 seconds and so on. If you are too achy, you've gone too long so next time go back to the last successful time. Build that tolerance slowly. :)

[@AlyssaDanchuk]

@@isaiasvalladares441 I do cold showers at the end of my shower and it makes my head hurt, like just before it is going to be numb. I literally get goosebumps when it is 70 degrees, just depends on the wind.

[@MichaelKummer]

Get $150 off of Cold Plunge (the tub I use on a daily basis) with promo code MK! Learn more at michaelkummer.com/go/coldplunge

[@LeenNassif]

My first ice bath was 50- below zero and it was hell

[@MichaelKummer]

You mean the ambient air temperature was -50?

[@walterkummer3538]

Perfekt

[@MichaelKummer]

👍🏻

[@Stiddie]

Moving around does make you colder and is necessary for best results.

[@MichaelKummer]

Moving does make it feel colder but I wouldn't worry about it until you've become accustomed to just sitting still in the tub for a few mins.

[@GrantGillilan44]

Why would you stay still? You should want to disrupt the thermal barrier

[@MichaelKummer]

If this is your first time and you're on the verge of freaking out, breaking the thermal barrier is not advisable. Worry about that for when you're more comfortable in the cold.

[@Loyannelima]

Milles( certified whm) says that we have to move from time to time while breathing

[@MichaelKummer]

Movement makes the water feel colder. That's the opposite of what you want to recommend to a first timer :)

[@alecsparks2486]

The only thing my brain said is you're way too comfortable you need to get out of this now after three minutes at 40°.😂😂

[@MichaelKummer]

🤣

[@calbaking]

5 + 5 ( + 5? ) = 20. got it. haha

[@MichaelKummer]

Are you referring to the box breathing? It's 5-5-5-5 (inhale, hold, exhale, hold).

[@lokiuk]

The only tip is controlling your breathing. long exhale is important. But all your tips are very useful. Also, in the end, you can do horse stance to warm you up. All this i learned from Wim Hof. 😊😊. Now don't be a pussy and get into that cold plunge everyday. Its amazing. Keep smiling

[@danbujor5991]

Take it gradually, time and temp. Body needs 7 to 8 weeks to build gray fat. It won't do it today.

[@bcschroer]

Are you not supposed to dunk head ?

[@MichaelKummer]

There are various protocols, depending on how comfortable and advanced you are. Dunking head is a great idea but it may be too much for a first-time plunger.

[@mrjackpickle2033]

Bro stole my surname and added an m to it

[@MichaelKummer]

Believe it or not but I didn’t pick my last name.

[@mrjackpickle2033]

@@MichaelKummer dw fam lmao I didn't mean it like that I didn't want to insult you mb

[@MichaelKummer]

@@mrjackpickle2033 I was just kidding man!